How we cite our quotes: Act.Scene
Quote #7
Fran… See the corrupted use some make of books:
Divinity, wrested by some factious blood,
Draws swords, swells battles, and o'erthrows all good. (4.1)
Even though Monticelso is Francisco's ally, Francisco distrusts him. He thinks it's repugnant that Monticelso, while supposedly a religious man, is really just interested in political factions and intrigue. Religion, in his view, should be above dirty, political and personal squabbles.
Quote #8
Flam. …Glories, like glow-worms, afar off shine bright,
But look'd to near, have neither heat nor light. (5.1)
Flamineo notices that great men (meaning powerful men) seem glorious when viewed from a distance—but when you get up-close and personal, you start to notice that they're just messed-up people like everyone else.
Quote #9
Fran. That 's the misery of peace: only outsides are then respected. As ships seem very great upon the river, which show very little upon the seas, so some men i' th' court seem Colossuses in a chamber, who, if they came into the field, would appear pitiful pigmies. (5.1)
In Francisco's eyes, weak people thrive during peace. War is the only situation where the truth about people really comes out—you get to see whether they're actually courageous and great, or not.